To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 23 September 1779

From Richard Henry Lee

Chantilly, 23 Sep. 1779. This letter to be delivered by Messrs. Loyauté and Le Maire. The latter is in unfortunate circumstances. All his private effects are detained on board the ship on which he arrived until the state ratifies the bargain with the house he represents for stores he brought over. His accounts should be quickly settled. Virginia is now well supplied with artillery but lacks the knowledge requisite for its use. Some method should be devised to employ Loyauté for this purpose. His father has been active in procuring the best cannon and artillery stores, and the employment of his son in forming a corps for their use would be an agreeable return to him. Count d’Estaing’s fleet of 5,000 men is reported at Charleston.

More between these correspondents

The National Historical Publications and
Records Commission (NHPRC) is part of the National
Archives. Through its grants program, the NHPRC supports a wide range of activities to
preserve, publish, and encourage the use of documentary sources, relating to the history of
the United States, and research and development projects to bring historical records to the
public.

Founders Online is an official website
of the U.S. government, administered by the
National Archives and Records Administration
through the NHPRC, in partnership with the
University of Virginia Press,
which is hosting this website.